ANOTHER year of supply exceeding demand could expose some potato growers in Herefordshire to high risks, warns a British Potato Council official.

Louise Chapman, the council's field manager at Hereford, said it was vital that farmers minimised their risks by developing strong partnerships with potential markets and buyers.

"This action, coupled with a cut in total planting yield of up to ten per cent this year, could increase interest from buyers, and produce a better balance between supply and demand. It should improve returns to growers.

She said that the potato crop required heavy investment, on average £2,900 per hectare. And with Hereford being one of the most important growing areas in the country, there were around 200 farmers growing potatoes with many others renting land to growers.

"Supply and demand is difficult to mange but growers thinking that the wet weather and delayed plantings are a signal to plant larger areas are urged to be cautious," warned Louise.

She said that last season's yields were high and this, coupled with the extra area planted, led to an excess of available supply of most varieties for most of the season.

"Due to market forces, this has given farmers much lower prices for their crop than the previous year. I am urging farmers to consider the national effect of planting increased areas of potatoes again this year."

Recent weather conditions delayed planting in most part of the country and last week figures for the council estimated that only half of the total planned area had been planted, a total of 73,283 hectares by the end of the week compared to 115,558 during the same week in 1999 and 80,182 in 1998.